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It's not surprising former All Black and current selector Grant Fox was thrown lots of questions about rugby at this year's record-breaking Cornerstone Trust fundraising luncheon.

What probably did surprise people was how frankly he answered those questions.

'Foxy' didn't dodge anything asked by MC James McOnie or guests.

The questions ranged from why Auckland rugby is underperforming and why Richie McCaw is irreplaceable, to who will be the next All Blacks coach and what makes the much-maligned Sonny Bill Williams a valued player.

In terms of Auckland rugby, Fox said the major factor was that the Auckland talent pool is under increased demand from several major sports, as well as other rugby unions around the country and the world.

When it comes to Richie, Fox explained he was a special player.

"He wasn't the fastest or the biggest, but he was smart and he was driven.

"He could go at the same level for the entire game — he had a big heart and lungs — anticipating where the play would go and taking the shortest line.

"Another player might be able to start a game at 100 per cent but wouldn't be able to continue at that level — Richie might start at 90 per cent, but he would finish at 90 per cent.

"Richie was also a man of few words, although what he said meant a lot."